Craft Masonry.

The W . M . next gave the toast of " The Officers , " congratulating himself and the ledge upon such a good array . The toast was duly responded to by the Senior and JuniorVVardens . The Tyler ' s toast closed a very happy and successful meeting . The inscription upon the jewel was— " Presented to Bro . R . J . Pugh , P . M ., by the members of the Cra ) s Vallf y Lrdge , 2 i 47 , as a token of esteem , and in acknowledgment for his valuable services as W . M . —1 S 95-9 C . " Some capital harmony was rendered by Bros . Harlow , jun ., Brett , Twist , C . VV Stone , Oxley ( elocutionist ) , and C . H . Stone .

Derby Allcroft Lodge , No . 2168 . A large gathering of the members of this flourishing lodge and many distinguished visitors assembled at the Midland Grand Hotel , St . Pancras , on the 12 th inst ., the occasion being the installation of Bro . Robert Daniel Cummings , P . M ., an esteemed and popular member of the lodge . Bro . VV . Lawrence , P . M ., W . M ., presided , and he was supported by Bros . J . W . Dixon , I . P . M . j R . J . Smerdon , S . VV . ; Jno . Nash , J . VV . ; W . ThomasP . M ., Treas . ; R . D . Cummings , P . M ., Sec ; W . Mackie , P . M ., S . D . ;

, S . Garcia , P . M ., D . C . j Dr . J . F . Haskins , P . G . Org . Herts , P . P . G . Org . F . ssex j N . Robinson , P . M ., Stwd . j G . E . Fairchild , P . A . G . D . C . ( Hon . Mem . ) j J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M . j Joseph Corbett , P . M . j J . P . Harding , P . M . ; J . MuirSmith , P . M . ; W . J . Wetenhall , A . A . Millward , Isaac C . McLearn , VV . G . Curnick , W . P . Martin , G . A Payter , T . Wholey , F . Paterson . J . H . Mitchell , A . Ingram , F . A . Baldwin , T . H . VV Idris , M . Kuehn , W . Short , E . F . James , R . H . Booth , G . M . Phillips , M . Hyman , J H . Moggridge , C . Duvall , E . Wallis , R . H . Goddard , Tyler , and others . Visitors

Bros . R . Eve , P . G . Treas . ; Geo . Everett , P . G . Treas . ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C . ; James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I . j W . A . Scurrah , G . Std . Br . j Oliver Papworth , P . P . S . G . W ., Prov . G . Sec . Cambs . ; H . J . Macfarlane , P . G . Org . Surrey ; Jas , Robinson , P . P . A . G . D . C . Middx . ; H . W . Schartau , P . P . G . Org . Middx . ; E . Branscombe , P . P . G . Org . Surrey ; Geo . Corbie , P . P . J . G . W . j J . J . Thomas , 753 , Vice-Pres . Bd . Gen . Purps . j F . W . Bailey , 239 SJ ] . Haddu , 2308 ,- R . G . Robinson , 1531 ; J . F . Croager , 30 j W . J . H . Dixon , 27 j " W . Prevost , 1705 j T . H . Bolton , G .

Arnold , P . M . 2331 ; T . II . Russell , 204 S ; R . Andrews , 35 J D- Baker , P . M . 2331 ; E . Redman , P . M . 123 S ; G . Eade , 1677 ; Evan Jones , 16 77 -. Thos . T . Bolton , W . M . 16 S 7 J A . T . Yardley , 901 j J . J . Dixon , W . M . 1415 ; R . Manuel , P . M . ng 5 j W . A . Brown , 73 ; G . Johnson , W . M . 13191 Walter Lewis , 1366 j Thos . Moss , P . M . 2048 j W . Bradford , G . W . Robinson , ss j G . Glover , VV . M . 204 S ; E . D . Richards , S 34 J S . J . Heilbron , 166 S j H . J . Bolton , P . M . 171 S ; Edwd . VVhite , P . M . 177 j VV . H . Hughes , P . M . 179 J T . C . Davis , 1143 J Jas . Kift , 1791 ; Fred . Davis , 1319 J and R . T . West , 1744 .

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed , the chief business cf the day was at once proceeded with , and Bro . R . D . Cummings , P . M ., was inslalled ss W . M .. the ceremony being performed in a manner that was perfect by the oulgoing Master , Bro . VV . Lawrence , P . M . The officers appointed for the ensuing vear were Bros . R . J . Smerdon , S . W . j John Nash , P . M .. J . W . ; VV . Thomas , P . M ., Treas . ; J . W . Dixon , P . M ., Sec ; W . Mackie , P . M ., S . D . ; R . Gregory , J . D . ; Nathan Robinson , I . G . j Sam Garcia , P . M ., DC . j Dr . J . F . Haskins , Org . j Dr .

Wholey , Stwd . j and R . H . Goddard , Tyler . The dtlivery of the usual addresses was very ably and impressively rendered by Bro . W . Lawrence , P . M , and he is to be congratulated on the efficient way in which he cairied out the installaiion ceremony . In eloquent and pathetic terms Bro . Joseph Co rbett , P . M ., nferred to the death of Bro . VV . J . Morton , which happened a few days previously . He said that their deceased brother abounded in good actions—the true test of a Mason—and it was difficult to come across so good and dear a friend . He kad passed away doing his duty and many poor

families would miss him this Christmas . His beieavtd widow had received over 200 letters of condolence ; nearly all the letters expressing that they had lost a dear friend . Several of the memters having paid a tri ' . ute to Bro . Morton ' s memory , it was unanimously resolved that a letter of condolence should be sent to Mrs . Norton . Bro . J . P . Harding , P . M ., presented the lodge with a splendid set of gavels , bearing suitable inscriptions , and he was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his very useful and handsome present , which he acknowledged in a few words . Notice of motion was given

for 25 guineas to be voted from the lodge funds to be placed on Bro . Harding ' s lUt as Steward for the " Boys , " and a gentleman having been proposed for initiation , at the next meeting , the lodge was closed and a superb banquet followed . "The Queen and the Craft" and "The M . W . G . Master" hiving been honoured , The Worshipful Master gave " The Grand Officers , P . esent and Past , " and said they were deeply gratified to the Grand Officers who had honoured them with their attendance that evening as they did real solid good work for the Craft . Bro . Rev . C . J . MaitynP . G . C , had journeyed all the way fain Gloucester in order to be present , and

, also their dear friend , Bro . R . Eve , P . G . Treas ., who resided st Aldershot . Bros . Geo . Everett , P . G . Treas . j G . E . Fnrchild , P . A . G . D . C . j and James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec . R . M . B . I ., were very dd friends , and last , and certainly not the least , was Bro . W . A . Scurrah , G . Std . Br . j they were all heartily welcome and he hopeJ they would all come again and again . He was glad that good men were now recognised at Grand Lodge and he trusted it might always be so . Bro . Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . C , responded in a very humorous strain which elicited

great laughter , ar . d in conclusicn he stated that it wis a great pleasure to him and the other Grand Officers to be present , and they all appreciated the hearty reception they had had . It was 28 years ago since he became a tirand Officer , and that evening would rank as one of the most p ! eas £ nt during his Masonic career . Everything that night had been done well , and the members should be proud of the name the lodge bore . The Grand Officers were always glad to visit the Derby Allcroft Lodge , and he wi : hed all the brethren God-speed .

The toist of " The Worshipful Master , Bro . R . D . Cummings , " was very enthusiastically received , the I . P . M ., Bro . W . Lawrence , remarking that no words of his were necessary to extol his many virtues , as they all knew the sort of man he was . He had been the Secretary from the consecration of the lodge , and he thought it went without saying that he would be the ideal of a VV . M . After 10 years' hard work , he had been

unanimously elected their ruler . He had taken a great interest in Freemasonry , and had done big things for the Charities , which was a gcod record to have . He had never missed a single meeting of the lodge , which was another gcod record . It was a particular pleasure to him to have the honour and privilege of submitting the toast , as the W . M . was one of his very oldest and dearest friends .

Bro . Cummings , W . M ., on rising to respond , received quite an ovation . He stated that he recognised the kind remarks of the I . P . M . and the way he had been received by the members . He had been attached to the lodge from the first , and he had noticed the way they fad always received their Worshipful Masters , and they had paid him the same compliment . They were a united lodge j not an attmof discord among the membeis , which was a gieat delight to him after his 10 years' work . If spared for another 10 years to be with them , they might rest assured that he would do ever ) thing to pre mote the interests of the lodge .

In pioposing " The I . P . M ., Bro . W . Lawrence , " the W . M . stated that he had the I one ur of pre posing him in Freemasr nry , and he was the second initiate of thelodge who had jasstd the clair . They had had a succesiful and happy year under his reign , which le had ciowntd wilh the splendid way he had performed the installation cereirony . It was his pleasure to present V . im , in the name of the lodge , with a Past Master ' s jewel , which was of seme value intrinsically , but it did not represent in value what they felt towards him , and they hoped he might be spared for very many years to wear the token amongst them .

In response , Bro . W . Lawrence , I . P . M ., thanked the W . M . for his kind words , which he thought he did not deserve , and the hearty manner in which he had been received by the brethren . While he was Master he endeavoured to do his very best , and no one could do more . He had received every kindness from them all , which made his year of office one ot pleasureand he should never forget that his mother lodge , and

, so lorg as he lived he would support it in every way . The W . M . was his father in Mascnry , and he was honoured by having the privilege of installing him into the chair , 'lhe W . M . proposed "The Masonic Charities , " and said that ever since the consecration of the lodge they had never missed sending a Steward to the Festivals , and the Treasuer had taken up a record list at one of the Festivals . to

Bro . James Terry , P . G . S . B ., Sec R . M . B . I ., on rising respond , had a hearty reception . He said that he was more indebted to the W . M . for the able way in which he fad pr < posed the toast , and for the kind reference he hid made- to his ( Bro . Terry ' s ) services . The lodge had given good support to the three Institulions , and he was glad they would at their next meeting vote a substantial amount to the Boys' , and in Bro . McLeod ' s absence , who was engaged elsewhere on Masonic duties , he acknoivledged , on his behalf , their liberality . After giving some full and interesting details of the three

Craft Masonry.

Institutions , he brought to an end a very effective and eloquent speech , which was received with rounds of applause , and we venture to think that the result of his oratory will be that Bro . J . P . Harding , P . M ., as Steward for the Boys , will take up a list large in amount , which will keep well to the front the reputation of the Iodge for its ardent support of the Charities .

in giving "The Visitors , the W . M . remarked that it was a toast that was always received there with pleasure and acclamation . They had 50 guests , and ho hoped they would again honour the lodge with their attendance , as they would always receive the greatest welcome . He could not ask them al ! to respond , but lie associated with the toast the names of Bros . T . II . Bolton , E . White , P . M . j and J . J . Thomas . V P . B . of G . P .

Bro . T . II . Bolton said it was a great compliment to be singled out of 50 visitors to respond . He was a humble Mason , and he certainly thought lie would not have been called upon . He was a stranger there , but that was not his fault , although he did not feel as a stranger in St . Pancras . All the visitors recognised the way they had been received and entertained , and from what he had seen of the installation ceremony it redounded to the credit of the lodge . Bros . E . White , P . M . ; J . J . Thomas , and Johnson , W . M . 1319 , also responded . The VV . M ., in presenting the toast of " The Past Masters , Treasurer , and Secretary , " stated that he could not tell them in words the good stuff of which the Past

Masters were made . The lodge could not have been the great success it was if it had not been for them , who were all good men and true , and the big things they had done for the lodge was appreciated by all the members . They were told the lod ge had a good name in the Masonic world , but that was due to the Past Masters . Then as to the Secretary , he knew no one in the lodge better able to discharge thedulies of that office than Bro . J . VV . Dixon , P . M ., and he wished he might long continue to act as the Secretary . He joined with the toast the names of Bros . J . P . Fitzgerald , P . M ., the " father " of the lodge , and tbe Secretary , Bro . J . VV . Dixon , P . M . Bro . Fitzgerald having replied in eloquent terms ,

Bro . J . VV . Dixon said that he was a joining member , and he should never regret the day he became connected with the lodge , of which he was proud to be a Past Master . He was honoured by being appointed the Secretary , and it would be his pleasure to do everything he could for the lodge . "The Officers " having been duly honoured and responded to , the Tyler ' s toast brought to a close a most enjoyable and memorable evening , and one that will long be remembered .

The excellent musical entertainment was carried out under the able direction of Bros . Dr . J . F . Haskins and VV . Bradford , assisted by Bros . E . Branscombe , Herbert Schartau , J . Kift , E . James , and VV . Short , but special ment ion should be made of Bro . Branscombe for his great efforts .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . SIR BENJAMIN WARD RICHADSON . It is with very sincere regret we mention the death of Bro . Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson , M . A ., M . D ., F . R . S ., " F . S . A ., F . R . C . P ., & c . The sad event occurred in the early hours of Saturday last , at 25 , Manchester-square , the deceased being in the 68 th year of his age . Bro . Richardson was the inventor of the lethal chamber in which animals passed from life to death without pain or even consciousness . It was he who , 10 years ago , adopted the ether spray for locally

driving away pain , and who later still adopted other modes of producing anaesthesia , and , above all , a means for restraining and controlling tetanus and other spasmodic affections . He was likewise skilled in , and had given the closest attention to , all matters connected with sanitation ; was a strong advocate of temperance , and an equally staunch upholder , both by precept and in practice , of all athletic exercises in moderation . For these and other services , both scientific and literary , he received the honour of knighthood in 1 S 93 . The many

claims upon Bro . Sir B . W . Richardson ' s time did not allow of his cultivating as intimate an acquaintance with Masonry as doubtless he would have liked , b t nevertheless he had done good service lo the Craft . He was , we belie e , initiated in the St . Andrew ' s Lodge , No . 231 ; was a founder and first W . M . of the King Sclomon Lodge , No . 2020 ; and an enthusiastic member of the Inner

Circle of Lodge Quatuor Coronati , of which he was elected a joining member on the Sth November , 1 S 89 . Doubtless , had he been spared longer , he would have attained to greater eminence , moie especially in connection with our great literary lodge . It remains for us lo tender our respectful sympathy to Lady Richardson ( his widow ) , his two sons , and his daughter , in the time of their severe bereavement .

The following are the arrangements for the funeral of the late Bro . Sir B . W . Richardson : The funeral cortege will leave the residence of the late Bro . Sir B . W . Richardson to-day ( Friday ) at 11 . 30 a . m ., and will proceed to Marylebone Parish Churoh . Her . ; the first portion of the funeral service will be conducted by Canon Wilberforce and Canon Barker at 12 o ' clock . Deputations from medical , Masonic , and temperance societies will be present . Subsequently the remains will be conveyed to Woking , where the last rites will be conducted by Caion Barker . Amongst the numerous wreaths received on Wednesday by the widow of the late Bro . Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson was one from the Oueen .

BRO . JOSEPH TODD , P . G . Std . Br . Bro . Joseph Todd , P . G . Std . Br ., whose lamented death was briefly recorded last week , was initiated on tbe 4 th February , 1 S 61 , in what was then the Union Lodge , No . 287 , York—now the York Lodge , No . 236 , and having been successively appointed Junior and Senior Warden , was installed in office as W . M . in December , 1870 . From 1873 to 18 77 inclusive he acted as Secretary , and was then transferred to the post of Treasurer , which he has held by annual re-election

ever since . Moreover , from 18 7 b to the present time he has acted as Installing Mastcr , nor is there a brother who has been elected W . M . during all those years whom Bro . Todd has not personally inducted into the chair of K . S . As a matter of course such services as these have been again and apain recognised by the Provincial authorities , and we find Bro . Todd appointed Provincial Grand Registrar of North and East Yorkshire in 18 7 8 . In 1887 the Earl of Zetland conferred upon him the rank ot a Past Prov .

Senior Grand Warden , while since 18 93 he had served as Prov . Grand Treasurer . In April , 18 95 , his Royal Highness the M . W . G . M . was pleased to appoint him G . Std . Bearer of Grind Lodge . He had also been Vice-Chairman of the Provincial Charity Association since 1 S 85 , and Vice-Chairman since 1878 , as well as Treasurer since 1893 , of the Educational Fund . In 18 79 he was exalted in the Zetland Chapter , No . 236 , and twice filled the chair of First Principal , namely , in 1874 and 1876 , while he had served uninterruptedl y as Treasurer . In 1879 he

was rewarded tor Ins services to Koyal Arch Masonry with the appointment of Prov . G . J . of North and East Yorkshire , and since 18 93 had been Prov . Grand Treasurer , while in May , 1895 , he was appointed 2 nd A . G . D . of C . in Supreme Grand Chapter . He had attained to almost equal distinction in Mark Masonry , having been advanced in the York Time Immemorial Lodge on the 1 4 th May , 1861 , and having served the office of VV . M . in 1 S 73 , and fo / the second and third times in 18 93 and 1 S 94 . He was Treasurer of the Prov . Grand Mark Lodge of

North and Iiast lorkshire from 1881 to 1 S 8 3 inclusive , and in 188 7—the year of the Queen ' s Jubilee—his services to the > Dugree were recognised b y his appointment to the rank of Past S . G . Overseer of Mark Grand Lodge . Bro . Todd had served a Stewardship for the Girls' School , and was a Life Subscriber of the three Institutions . He was , too , one of the very limited number of brethren who have rendered service in a literary capacity . He was the author of the History of the York Lodge , No . 236 , which was published in 1875 , and was one of the editors of the " York Rolls of Constitutions , " which was published in 1894 ,